Bootstrapping the Algorand node

How to start the process

The bootstrap process is automatically started after following the NodeKit installation instructions, but it can also be triggered manually by running this command:

./nodekit bootstrap

Prompts: Installation and Fast-catchup

nodekit bootstrap will check to see if there is a node already installed.

If there is none, it will ask if you want to start a node installation:

Installing A Node

It looks like you're running this for the first time. Would you like to install a node? (y/n)

It will then ask if you want to perform a “fast-catchup” with the network:

Regular sync with the network usually takes multiple days to weeks. You can optionally perform fast-catchup to sync in 30-60 minutes instead.

Would you like to preform a fast-catchup after installation? (y/n)

Fast-catchup saves a lot of time, so we recommend responding Yes.

Assuming you have responded “Yes” to the node install prompt, you will now be prompted for your user password:

WARN (You may be prompted for your password)
INFO Installing Algod on Linux
INFO Installing with apt-get
[sudo] password for user:

Why is the installer asking for my password?

The installer will ask for your user password during the node installation process.

This is required by your operating system in order to install new software.

Installation

After you enter your password, you can now sit back and wait until your Algorand node is installed and syncs with the network.

The installation phase should only take a few minutes. Your terminal will look like this during the installation phase:

Screenshot of first phase of "nodekit bootstrap" process

Fast catchup

After installation is complete, NodeKit will automatically start the NodeKit user interface.

This will display the progress of catching up to the latest state of the Algorand network:

Screenshot of second phase of "nodekit bootstrap" process - fast catchup

This process usually takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on your hardware and network connection.

When the process is done, the Fast Catchup status information will disappear and the yellow FAST-CATCHUP status at the top will change to a green RUNNING state.

Troubleshooting: Fast-catchup

If the fast catchup process does not complete within 1-2 hours, check the following:

Your hardware meets the requirements

Check that your node meets the hardware requirements for a participation node.

Nodekit is in FAST-CATCHUP state

The colored status at the top of Nodekit should be in a yellow FAST-CATCHUP state:

If not, exit nodekit with Q and run ./nodekit catchup to start catching up. Then run ./nodekit again to enter the user interface.

After fast-catchup completes successfully, it is normal for a node to be in a SYNCING state for a few minutes:

During this the Latest Round number should be increasing rapidly.

If there is no progress for a while, or the Latest Round value is smaller than 46000000 (46 million) then you should start fast-catchup again.